by discovering that Gordon, whom every one knew to be a fanatic in religion, was tampering with his son's creed. A Jew,' continued he, 'feels his disadvantage among so many Christians: but he is really a gentleman, and as such '

'Of course, of course, Mr. Sharpe,' interrupted the Captain; and Sharpe, seeing his words had produced the desired effect, touched his cap and retreated.

Gordon was summoned, reprimanded, and informed that any farther interference with the young gentleman would be considered an act of insubordination, and treated accordingly.

'Alas!' thought the Christian sailor, as he slowly withdrew, 'how many are the foes that rise up against Israel! Must I withhold my hand from a work brought to me in a way so remarkable and unexpected? I can't think it a part of my duty to obey this order: there's nothing in the articles of war to authorize it; and if I suffer unjustly, not for a breach of duty, but for righteousness' sake, I lose a little worldly profit and credit, but not the blessing of the Lord.' Raising his eyes, he saw Alick among the rigging, laughingly exulting in having, by his superior agility, outstripped a fat, titled Middy in a climbing race. 'The noble boy! No, I won't give him up: I won't,' repeated the Gunner, stoutly.

But the next day Alick, watching an opportunity, eagerly accosted him. Mr. Gordon, hush! I'm forbidden to speak to you; so tell me when and where I may do it without fear of discovery.'

'Who forbade you, Mr. Cohen?'

'My father.' The Gunner's countenance instantly fell, and he looked so distressed that Alick anxiously

continued. It is all through the malicious spite of some blackguard or another-very likely that Sharpe; and though I won't displease my father openly, it shall not hinder my talking with you as much as I

can.'

'No, Mr. Cohen: the law of Moses, or rather of God, the law which Christ came not to destroy but to fulfil, the immutable law of the ten commandments, bids you honour your father and your mother. Obedience to parents is a duty that none may neglect. Your father commands, you must obey.'

'But this command was unjust and unreasonable : besides, I see no cause why I should be in leadingstrings to any body. I'm old enough to think for myself.'

Gordon drew a small Bible from his pocket; and turning to the twenty-first chapter of Deuteronomy, requested Alick to read the eighteenth and three following verses, saying, 'That command was given to your fathers.'

The youth read it in silence; then turning rapidly over the leaves of the volume, and glancing at the title page, he suddenly looking up, said, with a manly bluntness that had more than once struck the Gunner as characteristic of growing decision.' 'Mr. Gordon, I wish you would lend me this book.'

'Lend it you! Ay, that I will: and I'll lend it you till you have read every word in it, and can say you have no more use for it: which will not come to pass till the Lion of the tribe of Judah take to him his great power and comes to reign. The book is yours, Mr. Cohen: read it, and all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are yours.'

'But now,' said Alick smiling, suppose Papa

catches me at it, and says, "I forbid you to read it," what shall I do?'

Obey God rather than man. You must obey your parents, because God has commanded it: but if they order you to do any thing contrary to his command, they do away with their own authority which is founded on his command.'

'And does God command me to read this book?'

'He does, sir, as you will soon find if you examine it. The five first books, the Pentateuch, or books of the law, were written by Moses himself: and every king of Israel was required not only to read, but with his own hand to write out the law as there given. At this day it is read in your synagogues, and held in the deepest veneration.'

'What is this the law, the Thorah of our people? I had no idea of that. Will it tell me any more about the Lion of Judah?'

Every thing, if you but pray to have your eyes opened, and your understanding enlightened: and now farewell, Mr. Cohen, my dear young friend, I hope I may say. No farther conversation must we have; but I'll pray for you day and night, in the name of the King Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ.' And he turned away, scarcely able to restrain his tears, but rejoicing in heart, while Alick, after warmly shaking his hand, pocketed the little Bible and walked off.

'How sinful I was,' thought the Gunner,' to doubt that every thing would be better ordered than I I could have devised or dreamed of. There he has got hold of the great scripture principle of obedience; and his poor blind father, in depriving him of such a broken cistern as I should have been, has

put him in the way of drawing direct from the Fountain of living waters. I dared not hope I should persuade him to accept a Bible, and he has asked me for it!'

Sharpe, who expected a very different expression of countenance, was sorely perplexed to see Gordon look so contented, and even joyous. He narrowly watched to detect any clandestine doings, but in vain. Nothing of the sort took place; the only dissatisfied countenance that he saw was in his looking glass all against whose peace he had practised were pleased and happy.

Alick first found, and re-perused the prophecy of Balaam; and then resolved to read the book regularly through. This was not an easy task on board ship; and as his father overcame the first effects of the sea, be kept him much with him. We all know how many ways Satan has of hindering the study of God's word; and no marvel if poor Alick experienced many an interruption. Reading as opportunity served and inclination prompted, he had just finished the Book of Genesis when they neared the straits of Gibraltar; and thenceforward he had no eyes or thought, save for the look out. They soon anchored in the noble harbour of Valetta, and disembarking, took up their temporary abode, the ship being detained for the next packet, which was expected soon with dispatches for Malta.

Here Alick was destined to encounter the grand stumbling-block of his people, against which Gordon had intended to warn him. Strolling about with one of the Middies, the day after their arrival, he descried at some little distance a long line of procession, persons robed and cowled, bearing banners, and

what greatly surprised him, lighted tapers that glared with a strange sickly aspect under a brilliant sun. Before reaching them, the procession turned off into a cross street, and Alick asked his companion what it was. The host, I suppose, by the manner in which the people reverenced it. By the way, if ever you meet it, be sure to take off your hat, and stand still till it is past.'

'With all my heart: but why?'

'Why, because every body does; that is, all christians do, and I suppose all other people.'

'I have seen many processions in London,' observed Alick: but, except to cheer the Queen or the Duke, or some big-wig, I never took off my hat.'

"They don't carry the host about in London,' said the Middy.

'Well, but what is this host? What is it made of?'

"'Tis made of a wafer, but they think it is God.' Alick stared most wildly at his companion, who, feeling his deficiency in theological learning, changed the subject. However, the young Jew questioned his father about it in the evening, who carelessly said, 'Most of the people here are Catholics, and their religion is more openly professed than in England, where liberality holds a very slow march. We have nothing to do with it, Alick; but as a matter of good-breeding and policy, we must shew the same respect to it that others do.'

Well, but, father, explain to me what this host, or wafer is.'

'A thin cake, I believe, which the priest by speaking some words, pretends to turn into the body of Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified with others,